Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines conversation as "an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas." In today's world, calcified along racial, class, and religious lines and led by unshakeable convictions on both sides of every divide, true dialogue can sometimes seem positively quaint.

Into this environment steps Conversations, the new album by San Francisco Bay Area bassist, producer, and songwriter Darryl Anders and his band, AgapéSoul. The title works on two levels: Not only is this a conversation between AgapéSoul and the rest of the world, but it's also a profound, joyful dialogue between the musicians, who breathe abundant life into this 10-song set list. And what a funky, smooth, soulful set list it is!

The first track, the love song "Kite," sets the template for the rest of the album: bass in your face, soulful vocals, solid groove, tasteful guitar from Cam Perridge, lush keys by Lynette Williams, and killer arrangements. Zoe Ellis—who co-wrote many of the album's songs—delivers lyrics that paint a vivid picture; her church-ready lead vocals are supported by Sara Williams, and drummer Aaron Green takes a musical solo that never loses the groove.

Ellis' "The Way That We Love" continues that flavor, bolstered by Adam Theis' warm trumpet and flugelhorn parts. Like a well-timed remark in an animated discussion, Anders' solo adds to the mix and moves things along. Dig the way the band gels as the song comes to a conclusion.

"Changes," the story of a relationship ending, begins with keyboardist Williams, some crispy clean fretwork from guitarist Errol Cooney, as well as a beautiful horn arrangement and solo from Snarky Puppy member Michael "Maz" Maher. (The band loved this midtempo tune so much that they brought it back for a funky-footed reprise later on the album that features David Ellis on sax and George Epps on keys.) "Changes" isn't the only song about pain and love: Grit-and-velvet-voiced Geoffrey Williams takes the lead on his own "The Lesson," the poignant lament of a man no longer in love. L.A. studio great Paul Jackson Jr. joins Perridge on guitar, Nate Werth contributes tasteful percussion, and Williams steps up with bold backgrounds to flesh out this touching classic by Geoffrey, whose credits include Michael Jackson, Nile Rodgers, and Dusty Springfield.

Anders picks the tempo up again with "Fruitvale Gumbo," a musical stew with Oakland, Minneapolis and New Orleans flavors—and a reminder of the years he spent playing with original Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste. His old Zigaboo bandmate Eamonn Flynn (as well as Dumpstaphunk's Ivan Neville, son of Neville Brothers vocalist Aaron) joins former Prince guitarist Levi Seacer and the magnificent Eric Gales to bring a whole ‘nother spark to the party, while Snarky Puppy horns Maher and Chris Bullock bring in the real second line. Anders' flashy, funky bass feature proves that he's clearly having fun, reveling in the influence of Marcus Miller, one of his mentors. The down-home, Rhodes/B3-soaked vibe continues on "Think About It," on which Naté SoulSanger takes the impassioned lead vocal, supported by Williams. Seacer adds layers of greasy guitar funk, but the real MVP might be Theis, who singlehandedly conjures full-figured, horn-section magic.

The introspective, gospel-infused "Home" is an epic ballad about finding and appreciating real love, seasoned with tasteful strings and soulful acoustic guitar. It showcases a knockout vocal performance by Tommy Sims, the Nashville bass/songwriting/production powerhouse who co-wrote Eric Clapton's "Change the World." "Sweet Sticky Thing" takes us back to a time when album covers were as skintight as they wanted to be and sax ruled pop radio. Two percussionists (Werth and Vicki Randle), two guitarists (Gales and Cooney, who contribute drastically different, smokin' solos), the Snarky Puppy horns, plus Graham Central Station's Ashling Cole on lead vocals? Fire!

Throughout the album, the musicians—handpicked by Anders and among the best in the Bay Area—shine in their respective roles. Conversations reflects the bond of the core members (and the extended AgapéSoul family) who poured their hearts into the project; their chemistry and top-notch skills are a firm rebuke of the slickly engineered, soulless sound that has become the norm in pop music. If, as many musicians say, a band is only as good as its rhythm section, AgapéSoul certainly has the goods: The hookup between Anders and Green is pure gold.

Finally, we arrive at "Conversations." Sims returns for a voiceover that spells it out: "Imagine what could happen if I sat down and you sat down, and we just rap about it for a minute, y'dig? Maybe we could start with that." Over a mile-deep groove that would make Incognito, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind & Fire proud, SoulSanger drives it home with the chorus: "Black, white, brown, or Asian/it don't matter, your persuasion/We can change the world with a conversation."